from Max Bultman of The Athletic,

... But after seven years picking in the top 10, that vision looks a bit different. By necessity.

The Red Wings have, of course, brought in high-end talent as a result of their on-ice woes. Moritz Seider is a cornerstone piece on their blue line. Lucas Raymond is one of the most talented young wingers in hockey. Simon Edvinsson and Marco Kasper are right on the doorstep, looking to prove they belong in that same conversation.

In terms of finding their own Patrick Kane, Sidney Crosby or Nathan MacKinnon, though? That lottery-delivered savior never did materialize for Detroit. And with the team now on the upswing, it’s only getting less likely to happen.

Does that mean the rebuild can’t work? That a Cup contender can’t be built?

It certainly won’t make it any easier. But while having a true superstar of course helps — you’ve likely heard the stat that every champ but one since the ’08 Red Wings (St. Louis in 2019) has had a top-two pick on the roster — it has never truly been that simple.

Building a true winner demands great players, there’s no doubt about that. But as Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews would surely tell you: it also demands a whole lot more.

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